Dear SPH Community,

I am very pleased to share an important change in the Dean’s Office. Given our renewed prioritization of education as a catalyst to change and improve the future of public health, and given Melissa Clark’s extraordinary work in leading this effort, her title is being updated to be Associate Dean for Education. This is more than a title change. This represents the growing role of education at our School. The new title encompasses her office’s expanding portfolio, the growth of the student body, increased diversity in the types of programs and students at the School, and plans for new strategic priorities, educational programs, and focus areas in the School.

As I have previously noted, Dean Clark has done a superb job in leading her office and the School’s reaccreditation efforts. In fact, I can now officially share with you that we have been reaccredited for the next seven years—the maximum accreditation period CEPH offers. She and her team will continue to oversee all academic degree programs offered through the School of Public Health, including the new online Master of Public Health. They will also continue to supervise the planning and instructional coverage of all graduate and undergraduate SPH courses, including the School’s new online MPH Program; ensure compliance with University academic and curricular requirements and processes; and ensure the implementation of high quality courses, instruction, and student advising and affairs. In short, Dean Clark’s office will serve throughout the life of the students at SPH—from recruitment to career services. Much of Dean Clark’s role will remain the same, and she will retain her position as Chair, Co-Chair, and Member of several School- and University-level education program committees.

As we enter a new Academic Year, I am thrilled that we will be able to rely on Dean Clark’s deep expertise and energy to help us provide the very best for the next generation of public health scholars. She is a vital part of our leadership, and I am excited to work with her on our many educational initiatives.

Regards,

Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH
Dean, School of Public Health
Professor of Health Services, Policy & Practice